Conestoga (convention) facts for kids

Conestoga was a really cool event for fans of science fiction and fantasy! It was a special gathering, often called a "convention," that happened every year in Tulsa, Oklahoma. From 1997 to 2010, people came together to celebrate their love for these amazing stories and worlds. Conestoga stopped happening after 2010 because of money and planning challenges.

At first, the convention was named after the year, like Conestoga '97. Later, they started counting them with numbers, so Conestoga '97 became Conestoga 1. The event ran all the way up to Conestoga 14!

What Was Conestoga?

Conestoga was a place where people who loved science fiction and fantasy could meet up. It wasn't just about books; it also included art, horror, anime, and comics. It was a big party for anyone interested in imaginative stories.

Fun Things to Do

There were lots of exciting activities at Conestoga!

• Filking: This is a fun word for singing folk songs about science fiction and fantasy. Imagine singing about spaceships or dragons!
• Gaming: You could play all sorts of games, from board games to role-playing games.
• Writers Track: Aspiring writers could learn tips and tricks from published authors.
• Art Show: Talented artists displayed their amazing science fiction and fantasy artwork.
• Dealer Room: This was a marketplace where you could buy books, comics, art, and other cool stuff.
• Masquerade: People dressed up in incredible costumes, often as characters from their favorite stories. It was like a big costume contest!
• Plays: A group called the Penguin Playhouse Troupe put on special plays, often with a funny, sci-fi twist.

Helping Others

Conestoga wasn't just about fun; it also helped the community. Many conventions raised money for different charities. For example, they supported groups like the American Cancer Society, the Tulsa Zoo, and organizations that help animals or provide service dogs.

A Look Back at Conestoga Events

Conestoga happened every year, and each time, it brought in special guests. These guests were usually famous authors, artists, or important fans in the science fiction and fantasy world. They would share their experiences and meet with attendees.

The convention often took place at the Radisson Tulsa hotel. Each year had a unique play performed by the Penguin Playhouse Troupe, with funny titles like Star Bores Trilogy or Dorks of the Ring.

Here are a few examples of past Conestoga events:

• Conestoga '97 (1): This was the very first one! It featured authors Barbara Hambly and George Alec Effinger.
• Conestoga 7 (2003): This year was special because it started the Conestoga Short Film Festival. It also brought back "Okie the Penguin" as the official mascot!
• Conestoga 9 (2005): A very famous author, George R. R. Martin, who wrote the books that inspired Game of Thrones, was a guest this year!
• Conestoga 10 (2006): This was a big celebration for the convention's tenth anniversary.
• Conestoga 14 (2010): This was the last Conestoga event to be held.

Why Conestoga Stopped

Conestoga 15 was planned for April 2011. However, it was eventually canceled. The organizers decided to postpone it indefinitely because of financial difficulties and other challenges in putting on such a big event.

You can learn more about Conestoga by visiting its official website.